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September2026 | We have lots going on this month! |
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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at all McAllen Public Library (MPL) branch locations! Join us throughout the month of September and October for children’s activities, crafts, historical presentations, book displays, and more as we celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, stories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.
There’s something for all ages, so visit your local MPL branch and celebrate with us! |
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Stop by McAllen Public Library throughout the week for pet-themed storytimes, programs, activities, and plenty of furry fun for all ages. Whether you’re a cat person, dog person, or love them all, there’s something waiting for you!
For Schedule of Events, Visit:
https://mcallenlibrary.net/stbf/schedules/pet-week |
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During STIBF Presents: Read Around Town Week, local children’s authors will bring their stories to McAllen Public Library and locations across McAllen for a week of special events leading up to Main Festival Day. Enjoy storytimes, book talks, author visits, and opportunities to meet Rio Grande Valley writers while discovering books created right here in our region.
For Schedule of Events, Visit:
https://mcallenlibrary.net/stbf/schedules/read-around-town |
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October has always been a special month at McAllen Public Library, but this year, we are turning the page to something truly extraordinary. I am thrilled to announce a fresh new chapter for our beloved annual celebration: the South Texas International Book Festival (STIBF), presented by H-E-B Helping Here! That's right! We are now, in our 14th year, International! Becoming the STIBF reflects just how much this festival has grown while staying deeply rooted in the community of readers, writers, and families who have supported us from the very beginning. Under this year’s theme, “Pages to Possibilities,” we are expanding our international reach to bring new voices, cultures, and global perspectives right here to McAllen, while continuing to celebrate the joy of reading together.
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We have a packed month of exciting pre-festival programming leading up to the main event, and I want to personally invite you to join us for every step of the journey:
- Pet Week at the Library (October 3–9): Drop by to celebrate our furry friends and meet Marty, the Library Cat!
- An Evening with Author James Wade (October 8): Ticket holders will enjoy admission, light refreshments, and a copy of his latest novel, Narrow the Road.
- Read Around Town Week (October 11–16): Don't miss our featured event on October 14, “Soñar en Grande: Lorena Ochoa Book Talk,” where the Mexican golf legend will discuss her inspirational memoir about her journey to becoming a world-renowned athlete.
- Guatemalan Opera Workshop & Concert (October 17): Maestro Ricardo Morales will host a master class for select McAllen ISD music students, followed by a concert showcasing local student talent. (Free tickets will be available!)
- Special Book Launches: Join us on October 20 for “By Design: Katie Pritchett Book Launch,” and mark your calendars for November 11 for “They Hold Grudges: Diana Rojas Book Launch.”
The Main Event: Festival Day Our main celebration takes place on Saturday, October 24, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Main Library (4001 N. 23rd St.). Festival Day is completely free and open to the public!
We are honored to host an incredible lineup of authors, including Reyna Grande (discussing Migrant Heart), Katherine Center (discussing The Shippers), Huda Fahmy, Saadia Faruqi, Varian Johnson, Ashley Robin Franklin, Chris Barton, Natalia Sylvester, and Shauna J. Grant. Throughout the day, you’ll find storytimes, live drawings, author talks, book giveaways, and meet-and-greets for readers of every age—from children and tweens to teens and adults.We will also announce the winners of our Youth Bookmark Design Contest, and families can pick up winning bookmarks and free books made possible through H-E-B’s Read 3 program and Literacy Texas.From VIP Book Clubs at our library branches to the Trick or Treat Trail on October 31, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy this season.
This festival is made possible thanks to the City of McAllen, H-E-B Helping Here, and our wonderful community sponsors and partners.
To view the full schedule, reserve tickets for select events, or learn more, please visit www.southtexasbookfestival.com. I can’t wait to see you at the library as we explore new pages and possibilities together!
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Mary Abundis
Book Shelver | Lark Branch Library | What do you enjoy most about working at the library?
Being surrounded by books, being able to be the first to check any book I like!
What has surprised you most abourt working at the library?
I like the fact that even though my work is the same, I still get to do different things everyday.
What program or service at the library do you highly recommend?
I would recommend STBF because I think its great that local authors get to have a place to promote their books. |
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Martha Treviño
Book Shelver | Circulation Department | What moment at the library has stayed with your? Helping at the trick or treat trail, seeing everybody that showed up.
What do you enjoy most about working at the library? Meeting a lot of different people everyday.
What has surprised you most about working at the library? The amount of help people need and the amount of help we can provide people. |
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| MPL Kids Program Highlights |
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Main Library
| Essential Skills For Tweens: Self Defense
Saturday, Oct. 3 10:30AM | |
STIBF Presents: In Memory of My Pet Wednesday, Oct. 7
6:00PM |
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STIBF Presents: Sensory Storytime ft. Priscilla Bernal
Wednesday, Oct. 14 11:00AM |
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Lark Branch |
STIBF Presents: Wiggle & Woof Tails
Monday, Oct. 5
11:00AM | | STIBF Presents:
Pet 1K
Friday, Oct. 9 6:00PM | |
STIBF Presents: Rey A. Banda at Chic-Fil-A
Tuesday, Oct. 13 10:00AM |
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Palm View Branch |
STIBF Presents: Pet Walk At The Park
Saturday, Oct. 3
10:00AM | | STIBF Presents:
Read Around Town with Author David Norec
Monday, Oct. 12 11:00AM | |
Stay & Create: Halloween Finger Puppets
Wednesday, Oct. 21
6:00PM |
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MPL Teens Program Highlights |
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Main Library
| STIBF Presents: Mini Pet Sculptures
Wednesday, IOct. 7
6:00PM | | FTBT:
Terror-ific Lab
Creatures
Saturdays, Oct. 10
2:00PM | | STIBF Presents:
Teen Book Club
The Hills of Estrella Roja Wednesday, Oct. 21
6:00PM |
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Lark Branch |
Homeschool
Art Zone! Wednesdays, Oct. 7 & 21
11:00AM | | Where It Clicks!
Saturday, Oct. 17 2:00PM | |
Ofrenda
Frames Thursday, Oct. 29
6:00PM |
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Makerspace:
Spooky Perler
Bead Charms
Thursday, Oct. 1
4:30PM | | STIBF Presents:
Teen Nature Guardians:
Reptile Care Lab
Tuesday, Oct. 6
4:00PM | | Level Up! Club
Thursday, Oct. 15 & 22 4:30OPM |
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MPL Adult Program Highlights |
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Main Library
| STIBF Presents: Cat Café
Saturday, Oct. 10
10:00AM | |
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STIBF Presents:
Sunday Book Club Sunday, Oct. 11 2:00PM | |
Diverse Voices Book Club Thursday, Oct. 15
6:30PM |
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Lark Branch |
DIY Book
Decorating Tuesday, Oct. 13
6:00PM | | Lark Book Club
Thursday, Oct. 15 6:30PM | |
Adult
Tiny Canvas Tuesday, Oct. 27
6:00PM |
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Palm View Branch |
Growing & Nourishing Healthy Communities Every Wednesday 2:00PM |
| Crochet Club Saturday, Oct. 10 2:00PM
| | Crafty Corner: 3D Pumpkin Craft
Friday, Oct. 31 10:30AM |
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Explore Our Reference Collection!
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Anatomy 101 : from muscles and bones to organs and systems, your guide to how the human body works | By Kevin Langford |
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Symbols of the occult : a directory of over 500 signs, symbols and icons | By Eric Chaline |
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Explore Our Personal Finance Collection!
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Invest your way:
how to grow your wealth on your terms | By Marc LaMonica |
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The rich hermana :
a first-gen guide to money, mindset, and wealth | by Ixamar Palumbo |
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Library e-Resource of The Month |
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Need reliable sources for your next research project?
Explore TexShare Databases, available FREE through McAllen Public Library! Get access to 7,000+ journals, 171,000+ ebooks, and millions of images, videos, and interactive resources to help you find the information you need. |
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| Follow Us For All Our Events & Updates! |
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| Visit All Our Locations! |
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McAllen Public Library
4001 N. 23rd St. McAllen, TX 78504 PH: (956) 681-3000 |
Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00AM - 9:00PM
Friday - Saturday 9:00AM - 6:00PM Sunday
1:00PM - 9:00PM |
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Lark Branch
2601 Lark Ave. McAllen, TX 78504 PH: (956) 681-3100 |
Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00AM - 9:00PM
Friday - Saturday 9:00AM - 6:00PM Sunday
CLOSED |
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Palm View Branch
3401 Jordan Rd. W. McAllen, TX 78503 PH: (956) 681-3110 |
Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00AM - 9:00PM
Friday - Saturday 9:00AM - 6:00PM Sunday
CLOSED |
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Content Editors:
Melissa Kobayashi & Sean Wrinkle |
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Layout & Design:
Melissa Kobayashi |
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